Some of Bermuda’s iconic scenes have been given a new look. French artist Pierre Legros is the man responsible. Coral Beach, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and the Ferry Terminal are some of the sites the artist, who paints under the name Sorgel, has transformed here. His colourful and whimsical paintings are now on display at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art alongside those of local artist Nicky Gurret.

Q: How would you describe your work?

A: Very colourful with plenty of surrealistic and fun details. My creativity and imagination are the main lead and sometimes I even turn around the painting to complete the final touch!

Q: How did you end up here?

A: This is my third trip to Bermuda. I have two granddaughters temporarily living here on the island — one of them was even born here last November. Their parents are here with the America’s Cup. So it’s a great excuse to keep visiting. I usually stay two or three weeks. During my first stay, in November 2015, I participated in the Plein Air Festival where I met many of the wonderful local artists. And since then, each time I come to Bermuda I join them for the Sunday outdoor painting session.

Q: Why decide to show your work?

A: Since my first experience here, I have been deeply inspired and fascinated by the beautiful Bermudian culture. So much so that I have been painting almost exclusively about your amazing island for the last two years, even when I am back in France.

Q: Have you exhibited anywhere else on the island?

A: I have had a few of my paintings at the Dockyard Art Centre and at Gallery One Seventeen on Front Street but I’ve also been commissioned to paint special pieces for some local residents.

Q: Artistic influences?

A: My work is probably a whimsical mix of Salvador Dali surrealism, while also influenced by the Dutch painters Jerome Bosch and Bruegel from the Renaissance period.

Q: Where are you from in France?

A: I’m from Arcachon, a small seaside town located on the South West Atlantic coast. It’s less than an hour south of Bordeaux and has wonderful beaches. Nearly as wonderful as Bermuda [and it has] the biggest sand dune in Europe. It’s also an incredible region for wines and gastronomy. Despite being popular for tourism, Arcachon is a still very authentic French town, quite famous for its oysters from the bay. But I also spend a lot of time painting near Biarritz, in the Basque countryside, with my lovely partner Annie. Plus I have four grown-up children, three stepdaughters and five grandchildren!

Q: Have you been painting all your life? How did you get started?

A: Yes I’ve painted most of my life. I started when I was 12 years old in Paris and I’m a real autodidact.

Q: Have you ever worked in another profession?

A: In France, in Arcachon, I own and run a very successful frame shop. But in my younger years I used to be painter in the Netherlands.

Q: Age?

A: 64.

Q: And you’re hosting an exhibit with Nicky because ...?

A: I met Nicky Gurret at the 2015 Plein Air Festival where we were both participants. There was a reception the first day of the event and we were introduced to each other as French artists. Both Nicky’s parents are from France and she helped translate where I had trouble understanding some of the announcements. I showed her my business card which displayed some of my colourful art, and she loved it. We spent much of the week drawing and at the end of the week I asked her if she would do a joint exhibit with me. I was very flattered that she agreed et voilà! Her work for this show is somewhat abstract and shows the blues and colours of the ocean.

Q: How long will the exhibit run? How many pieces are on show?

A: The exhibition will run for three weeks, until June 28. It will be open Monday to Saturday from 11am-4pm. Eighteen paintings will be displayed along with Nicky’s larger ones. I will also be adding a new element to the show in setting up my easel and paints to do demonstrations for visitors as they come into the museum.

I believe it will be the first time that an artist will create his work while on exhibit in the same gallery at Masterworks!

Q: What next?

A: Some of these paintings will remain here in Bermuda. I’d love to come back here to attend the next Bermuda Plein Air Festival set to happen this coming November. Back in France, I will keep painting and exhibiting in Arcachon or in my studio in the middle of the Basque countryside.

•For more information: contactsorgel@yahoo.fr; www.sorgel.fr; https://m.facebook.com/Sorgelart/

The Alliance Française of Bermuda will host a reception at Masterworks on Friday from 5.30pm to 7pm. All are welcome.